What should I include in my I-800 application?

When completing the I-800 application, ensure you provide accurate personal details, including your name, address, and information about the child you are adopting. Include all required supporting documents, such as the child's birth certificate and evidence of your eligibility to adopt.

How do I check the status of my I-800 application?

You can check the status of your I-800 application by contacting the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) National Customer Service Center. Be sure to have your receipt number ready for faster assistance.

What happens after I submit my I-800 application?

After submitting your I-800 application, USCIS will review it and may schedule an interview or request additional information. If approved, you will receive a notice, and the next steps in the adoption process will be outlined.

Can I make corrections on my I-800 application?

If you find an error after submitting your I-800 application, you can write to USCIS explaining the mistake. Include your application details and the correct information. It’s best to do this as soon as you notice the error.

How do I prepare for the I-800 interview?

To prepare for the I-800 interview, gather all required documents, review your application, and be ready to discuss your adoption plans. It may also help to practice answering common interview questions with a friend or family member.

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How to complete your petition for adopting a child from abroad

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Form I-800, Petition to Classify Convention Adoptee as an Immediate Relative

This site is not affiliated with any government, tax, or other official agency. Form last updated: 07/2026. Please verify you are using the current, correct version for your situation before submitting it.

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What is Form I-800?

Form I-800, Petition to Classify Convention Adoptee as an Immediate Relative, is used by U.S. citizens adopting children from countries that are part of the Hague Adoption Convention. This form helps establish that the child qualifies as an immediate relative, which is essential for obtaining a visa. Completing this form is crucial because it ensures the adoption process complies with U.S. immigration laws, allowing the child to join their new family in the United States legally and safely.

What is Form I-800 used for?

Form I-800, Petition to Classify Convention Adoptee as an Immediate Relative, is used in adoption processes. Here’s what it’s for:

to classify a child as an immediate relative.
to establish eligibility for a visa.
to facilitate the adoption process.

How to fill out Form I-800?

Read the instructions on the I-800 form carefully.
Fill out your personal information in the designated fields.
Provide details about the child, including their name and date of birth.
Complete the section about the adoption agency or facilitator.
Check for any additional documents needed, as specified in the instructions.
Sign the form according to the most recent guidelines from official sources.

Who is required to fill out Form I-800?

The form I-800 is completed by U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents seeking to adopt a child from a foreign country. It's specifically for those who want to classify the adopted child as an immediate relative to obtain immigration benefits.

Afterwards, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) uses the form to process adoption petitions and determine eligibility for the child’s immigration status.

When is Form I-800 not required?

Form I-800 isn't needed for all adoptions. If an adoption occurs in a country not part of the Hague Convention, you should use Form I-600 instead.

Also, if the child is not a convention adoptee or does not meet the eligibility requirements under the Hague Convention, then Form I-800 isn't necessary. Always check the specific guidelines related to your situation.

When is Form I-800 due?

The deadline for Form I-800 is not specified, but it is recommended to file before accepting an adoption placement. You must file it before the expiration of your approved Form I-800A and before the child's 16th birthday.

How to get a blank Form I-800?

To get a blank form I-800, Petition to Classify Convention Adoptee as an Immediate Relative, visit the USCIS website, which issues the form. Our platform has a pre-loaded version in our editor, ready for you to fill out and download.

How to sign Form I-800?

To sign Form I-800, first access the blank version of the form using CookPDF. Fill out the necessary fields, ensuring all information is accurate. After completing the form, click on the option to create an electronic signature if the form accepts it.

Once your signature is added, click "Done" to download the completed form. Remember to check the official guidelines for any specific signature requirements before submission.